A nationally representative, wearables-based study has tracked Americans who said they did not do structured exercise. It found that short energy bursts - a median of just 1.1 minutes per day of brief, vigorous effort - was linked with a lower risk of death over roughly seven years.



The pattern was simple. People who racked up about five or six energy bursts per day, each usually around 10 seconds and all under one minute, tended to fare better than those who did none.



This work was led by Emmanuel Stamatakis at the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>. The team focused on vigorous activity, meaning effort that makes breathing hard and raises heart rate clearly for short spans.



Researchers looked at death from any cause. The curve of benefit rose quickly at low amounts, then flattened, which means the biggest change showed up when going from zero to a little. 



That is important for people who find it hard to schedule <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-can-slow-aging-right-down-to-your-dna/">workouts</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-study-was-done">How the study was done</h2>



The sample came from <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/nhanes/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NHANES</a> (the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey), a long-running U.S. program that links health records with device-measured movement. 



Participants wore a wrist accelerometer - a sensor that records motion dozens of times per second - for about a week.



The authors studied what they call Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity (<a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2807734" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">VILPA</a>). 



That is the short, sharp effort that happens during normal life, like a very fast walk uphill, a quick run to catch a bus, or carrying heavy items up stairs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-short-energy-bursts-mean">What short energy bursts mean</h2>



Two findings stood out. First, daily time VILPA showed a near-linear link with lower risk, and the median of 1.1 minutes per day corresponded to a hazard ratio of about 0.61 in models that accounted for many other factors. 



Second, doing roughly five to six short bursts per day captured most of the observed benefit in this group.



“VILPA is a bit like applying the principles of High <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/exercise-feels-better-when-its-matched-to-your-personality/">Intensity</a> Interval Training to your everyday life," Stamatakis explained. 



"We need to further investigate this link through robust trials, but it appears that VILPA may be a promising, cost free recommendation for lowering cancer risk in people who find structured exercise difficult or unappealing."



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-comparing-with-other-studies">Comparing with other studies</h2>



Earlier U.K. Biobank <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-022-02100-x" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> reported that a sample median of 4.4 minutes per day of VILPA was associated with noticeably lower risks of all cause, cardiovascular, and cancer mortality. 



The U.S. study’s median dose is smaller, which may reflect differences in age, fitness, or baseline activity.



Cancer findings from the U.K. Biobank add useful context. 



A 2023 <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaoncology/fullarticle/2807734" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analysis</a> of non-exercisers found that about 4.5 minutes per day of VILPA was linked to lower incident cancer risk, with the steepest gains when moving from none to a little.



A hazard ratio compares rates of an outcome between groups over time. Values below 1.0 indicate a lower rate in the more active group, values above 1.0 indicate a higher rate, and the confidence interval shows the range of uncertainty.



These numbers do not prove that short energy bursts caused the lower risk. They show a strong association after adjusting for many measured factors, which is informative for public health while we wait for further trials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-bursts-and-health">Energy bursts and health</h2>



Only about one quarter of U.S. adults meet both aerobic and strength targets, notes a CDC <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/products/databriefs/db443.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>. 



Finding health linked to very short, vigorous effort embedded in daily life could help reach people who are not hitting those goals.



The signal shows up at low doses. That matters because many people cite time, cost, or access as barriers to regular exercise.



The U.S. cohort’s median VILPA time was just over a minute per day, and the median burst count was about five per day. 



Most bursts lasted around 10 seconds, which aligns with the way people actually move when life gets busy.



The dose-response curve rose quickly at first, then flattened around eight bursts per day in this dataset. That pattern supports the idea that small, repeatable effort may offer a meaningful step up from doing none.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-bursts-and-future-health">Energy bursts and future health</h2>



Wearable sensors let scientists capture movement in 10-second windows, which makes it possible to study these micro patterns. That is a big advance over older surveys that missed very short efforts.



Future trials need to test whether nudging VILPA upward changes health markers directly. Those tests could use prompts during chores, commuting, or short work breaks.



This was an observational analysis, so unmeasured differences could still explain part of the link. People who feel better might move more, and some health risks are hard to measure perfectly at baseline.



Device limits matter too. Wrist sensors can misread certain tasks, and any single week of tracking may not reflect a person’s full year of movement.



Public health groups already say that all <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-form-of-exercise-is-shown-to-improve-sleep-the-most-according-to-studies/">movement</a> counts. VILPA adds a sharp, practical edge to that message by focusing on brief, intense efforts that do not require special gear or set times.



If ongoing work shows cause and effect, simple cues could help people add a handful of short energy bursts to tasks they already do. 



That kind of shift would be especially useful for those who do not visit gyms or prefer not to schedule workouts.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.05.25333017v1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medRxiv</a>.



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Just one minute of this exercise every day can literally add years to your life, says a new study

A nationally representative, wearables-based study has tracked Americans who said they did not do structured exercise. It found that short energy bursts - a median of just 1.1 minutes per day of brief, vigorous effort - was linked with a lower risk of death over roughly seven years. The pattern was simple. People who racked up about five or six energy bursts per day, each usually around 10 seconds and all under one minute, tended to fare better than those who did none. This work was led...

Good,Morning,,New,Day,,Weekend,,Holiday.,Happy,Middle,Aged,Woman

Night after night, our bodies cycle through light and heavy slumber. Most of us judge a good night’s rest by how spry we feel over morning coffee, but there is a deeper story. During the night, when muscles go limp and dreams fade, the brain slips into slow-wave sleep - the quietest, most restorative phase.



Researchers now point to a slow erosion of that phase as a silent warning sign for dementia. The issue is not the total number of hours you sleep each night, it's about how deeply we sleep year after year. 



Losing too much of that deep stretch appears to open the door to memory problems later in life. Even small nightly losses, study authors argue, can snowball over time and quietly shape cognitive destiny.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-understanding-slow-wave-sleep">Understanding slow-wave sleep</h2>



Often called <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-clears-toxic-waste-from-the-brain/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deep sleep</a>, slow-wave sleep is the most restorative phase of the sleep cycle. During this stage, the brain produces slow, high-amplitude delta waves, and the body enters its most relaxed state - heart rate slows, blood pressure drops, and muscles become nearly immobile.



During these spells, cerebrospinal fluid washes through brain tissue, sweeping away proteins such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleeping-may-lower-levels-of-alzheimers-abnormal-proteins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">amyloid and tau</a> that gather while we are awake.



Both are major suspects in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stopping-alzheimers-before-it-starts-early-treatment-shows-potential/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>, which already affects about one in nine Americans older than 65.



When deep sleep shrinks, that nightly rinse falters. Laboratory work confirms that even a single restless night nudges amyloid levels upward. 



Over decades, a chronic shortfall can allow debris to pile up, fraying the circuits that handle recall, planning, and mood.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tracking-sleep-over-decades">Tracking sleep over decades</h2>



An analysis drawn from the <a href="https://www.framinghamheartstudy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Framingham Heart Study</a> followed 346 adults older than 60 who completed two overnight sleep studies five years apart. 



Over the next 17 years, 52 of them developed dementia, and a clear pattern emerged: each 1 percent annual drop in slow-wave sleep was linked to a 27 percent increase in risk.



“Slow-wave sleep, or deep sleep, supports the ageing brain in many ways, and we know that sleep augments the clearance of metabolic waste from the brain, including facilitating the clearance of proteins that aggregate in Alzheimer’s disease,” explained Associate Professor Matthew Pase of <a href="https://www.monash.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monash University</a>.



“However, to date we have been unsure of the role of slow-wave sleep in the development of dementia. Our findings suggest that slow-wave sleep loss may be a modifiable dementia risk factor.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genes-sleep-and-risk">Genes, sleep, and risk</h2>



The same project highlighted a genetic wildcard: <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839141/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">APOE ε4</a>. Carriers of this variant lost deep sleep faster than their peers. Even without that gene, though, a steep decline in slow-wave minutes still spelled trouble.



Brain-volume measurements did not explain the trend, hinting that sleep itself is the driver. By tracking nightly brain waves, clinicians may gain an early heads-up long before symptoms appear.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-studying-slow-wave-sleep">Studying slow-wave sleep</h2>



A <a href="https://bmcmedicine.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12916-023-02811-z" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">separate study</a> at the <a href="https://www.berkeley.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of California, Berkeley</a>, shows how deep sleep might soften the blow even when pathology is already in place. 



Sixty-two older volunteers spent a night undergoing electroencephalography and then tried to match names to faces. 



Those with heavy beta-amyloid deposits but plentiful slow-wave sleep performed as well as participants with cleaner brains.



“With a certain level of brain pathology, you’re not destined for cognitive symptoms or memory issues,” said <a href="https://www.abg.psychol.cam.ac.uk/staff/dr-zsofia-zavecz" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Zsófia Zavecz</a>, a postdoctoral researcher at UC Berkeley’s <a href="https://www.humansleepscience.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Center for Human Sleep Science</a>. 



“People should be aware that, despite having a certain level of pathology, there are certain lifestyle factors that will help moderate and decrease the effects. One of those factors is sleep and, specifically, deep sleep.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keeping-memory-afloat">Keeping memory afloat</h2>



Neuroscientist <a href="https://psychology.berkeley.edu/people/matthew-p-walker" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Matthew Walker</a>, senior author of the UC Berkeley study, posed a compelling question: If sleep is truly essential for memory, could it be a missing piece in the puzzle explaining why two people with the same level of amyloid pathology experience such different memory outcomes?



He noted that if this theory proves true, it would be exciting - because sleep is something we can actually change. It’s a modifiable factor.



Walker went on to compare deep sleep to a life raft: it keeps memory afloat rather than letting it sink under the weight of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-disruptions-could-signal-the-onset-of-alzheimers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alzheimer’s disease</a>. 



He suggested that non-REM, slow-wave sleep may be a crucial piece in understanding cognitive reserve. Even better, it’s something we can improve, even later in life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-getting-more-slow-wave-sleep">Getting more slow-wave sleep</h2>



Laboratory gadgets cannot guarantee longer slow-wave stretches, yet everyday choices matter. 



Regular bedtimes anchor the body clock; a cool, dark bedroom keeps overheating at bay; and avoiding caffeine after lunch reduces late-night jitters. A warm shower before lights-out also nudges the brain toward <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/deep-sleep-how-slow-waves-boost-memory-formation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deeper stages</a>. 



“One of the advantages of this result is the application to a huge population right above the age of 65,” Zavecz said. 



“By sleeping better and doing your best to practice good sleep hygiene, which is easy to research online, you can gain the benefit of this compensatory function against this type of Alzheimer’s pathology.”



Wearable sensors are not perfect, but they now offer a glimpse into nightly slow-wave trends at home.



By understanding and supporting this critical stage of sleep through consistent habits and healthy routines, we gain a powerful, accessible tool for maintaining cognitive resilience well into older adulthood.



Spotting a downward drift early gives older adults a chance to course-correct with simple habits - an investment that could pay off in sharper memories for years to come.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2810957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">JAMA Neurology</a>.



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Scientists point to one particular sleep stage as being most important for preventing dementia

Night after night, our bodies cycle through light and heavy...

Most people savor a cup of coffee with hopes of an energetic start to the day. Recent findings suggest there may be more going on than just a morning jolt.



Experts have been discussing how this popular beverage is linked with lower chances of certain diseases. A 2025 meta-analysis found that individuals with diabetes who consumed one to four cups a day lowered their risk of heart-related issues and mortality.



<a href="https://faculty.smhs.gwu.edu/leana-sheryle-wen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Leana Wen</a>, an emergency physician and adjunct associate professor at <a href="https://www.gwu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">George Washington University</a>, says coffee’s place in a balanced routine is worth considering.



“The evidence is quite strong,” said Dr. Wen, who has seen interest grow around simple lifestyle tweaks that might benefit both the heart and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-this-amount-of-water-per-day-helps-control-blood-sugar-levels-in-people-with-diabetes/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">blood sugar regulation</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coffee-s-protective-side">Coffee’s protective side</h2>



Some researchers have observed that those who regularly drink moderate amounts could experience lower overall mortality. 



The same review linked coffee with lessened odds of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-coffee-drinkers-have-a-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiovascular events</a>. Scientists point to antioxidant components in coffea arabica that may play a role in shielding cells from stress.



Certain <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/coffee-flavor-can-be-improved-with-a-simple-trick/">coffee</a> varieties contain substances that might help the body manage cholesterol. These natural agents may also support insulin activity, which is a factor in maintaining healthy glucose levels. 



When combined with sensible meal choices, a few cups could support broader metabolic balance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-coffee-moderation-is-key">Why coffee moderation is key</h2>



A safe <a href="https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/spilling-beans-how-much-caffeine-too-much">limit</a> for most healthy adults is around 400 milligrams of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/caffeine-has-a-protective-effect-on-heart-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caffeine per day</a>, which is roughly four 8-ounce cups. 



If someone goes beyond that, issues such as sleeplessness or jitteriness can appear. Tracking how much caffeine is in each cup keeps things under control.



People with heart conditions may want to watch for symptoms like <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-palpitations/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">palpitations</a> if they consume several cups. 



Others might find that too much caffeine upsets digestion or nerves. A balanced approach helps keep potential downsides in check.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-coffee-interacts-with-the-body">How coffee interacts with the body</h2>



Caffeine stimulates the <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542179/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">central nervous system</a>, which can temporarily boost alertness and focus. It blocks the effects of adenosine, a neurotransmitter that promotes sleep, helping people feel more awake.



Coffee also triggers the release of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dopamine-changes-from-cannabis-last-at-least-one-year/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dopamine</a> and norepinephrine, chemicals tied to mood and energy. 



While these effects are often seen as positive, they can lead to restlessness or irritability in sensitive individuals, especially if consumed in excess.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caffeine-affects-blood-sugar-and-insulin">Caffeine affects blood sugar and insulin</h2>



Moderate coffee intake has been linked with improved <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323027" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">insulin sensitivity</a>, which helps the body move glucose from the blood into cells more efficiently. 



This effect may reduce the risk of developing <a href="https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21501-type-2-diabetes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">type 2 diabetes</a> and help those with the condition manage blood sugar better.



Caffeine can also affect <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6544578/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">glucose metabolism</a> differently in each person. In some, it may slightly raise blood sugar for a short time. The impact seems to depend on genetics, caffeine tolerance, and what’s eaten with or after the coffee.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-who-benefits">Who benefits</h2>



Most adults can enjoy a moderate coffee habit. <a href="https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2010/08/moderate-caffeine-consumption-during-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pregnant women</a>, on the other hand, need to limit daily caffeine intake to under 200 milligrams to reduce potential concerns. 



It's also important for parents to remember that the <a href="https://www.aacap.org/AACAP/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/Caffeine_and_Children-131.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Pediatrics</a> suggests children under 12 avoid caffeine entirely.



Adults with type 2 diabetes appear to gain some pluses from moderate coffee consumption. 



In a large survey, those reporting a few cups daily had lower rates of complications compared to non-drinkers. If someone experiences anxiety or insomnia, it’s wise to reassess caffeine’s part in the overall diet.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tea-s-place">Tea’s place</h2>



Tea shares similarities with coffee, offering bioactive compounds that may support cardiovascular health. <a href="https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/camellia-sinensis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Camellia sinensis</a> leaves have polyphenols, which can help lower inflammation. 



These may be especially relevant for individuals watching their blood sugar.



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/common-foods-might-work-like-medicines-to-lower-blood-pressure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Green tea</a> tends to have lower caffeine levels than <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">black tea</a>. Unsweetened versions sidestep extra calories. 



The analysis found that individuals with diabetes who drank up to two cups a day saw favorable trends related to heart disease and mortality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-about-energy-drinks-and-sodas">What about energy drinks and sodas?</h2>



Not all caffeinated beverages are equal. While coffee and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-tea-every-day-proven-studies-to-delay-biological-aging-in-humans/">tea</a> may offer potential health benefits, energy drinks and many sodas come with risks that often outweigh any positive effects of caffeine.



Energy drinks can contain up to 300 milligrams of caffeine per can, along with large amounts of added sugars and artificial additives. 



Regular consumption has been <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4682602/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">linked</a> with increased heart rate, high blood pressure, and in some cases, hospitalization. For people with diabetes, the sugar content alone makes these drinks problematic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-staying-mindful">Staying mindful</h2>



Many coffee and tea beverages come packed with sugar, syrups, or whipped toppings. These extras can increase calorie load and may undo the potential protective aspects. 



An approach that keeps sugar minimal might allow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/drinking-coffee-may-help-women-stay-sharp-and-strong-as-they-age/">coffee</a> or tea to retain their possible health benefits.



People sensitive to caffeine might try decaffeinated options. These still contain various phytochemicals that could help the body. 



A measured intake can be tailored to individual needs, particularly when combined with professional medical advice.



The study is published in <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1570644/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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Scientists say drinking this amount of coffee helps prevent heart disease and diabetes

Most people savor a cup of coffee with hopes of...

Scientists have revealed a new biometric marker: your nasal breathing pattern. This is uniquely yours. According to new research, nasal airflow can identify individuals with 96.8% accuracy. That is on par with voice recognition.



The discovery came from a team at the <a href="https://www.weizmann.ac.il/pages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Weizmann Institute of Science</a>. They created a wearable device that tracks nasal breathing patterns over 24 hours. Unlike short clinical tests, this method captures long-term characteristics.



“You would think that breathing has been measured and analyzed in every way,” said Noam Sobel. “Yet we stumbled upon a completely new way to look at respiration. We consider this as a brain readout.”



The study involved 97 participants and used 24 specific features extracted from their breathing patterns. Each feature remained stable over months, even up to two years. This suggests it comes from the brain’s respiratory <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/breathing-rhythms-help-strengthen-memories-during-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">network</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-wearable-breathing-pattern-tracker">A wearable breathing pattern tracker</h2>



Participants wore a silicone-encased device on their neck all day. It connected to a nasal cannula with separate tubes for each nostril. This setup recorded every breath in real time, logging airflow asymmetries and temporal pauses.



Researchers used AI models to analyze features like inhale volume and duty cycles. With just one hour of breathing data, they could still identify about 43% of participants during <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-prepares-the-brain-for-the-future-while-protecting-memories-of-the-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a>. When they tested data across months, accuracy remained high: 95% during waking hours and over 70% during sleep.



Importantly, they ruled out motion as a confounding factor. Position sensors built into the device could only identify people with 37% accuracy. The breathing pattern did far better.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-patterns-and-mental-health">Breathing patterns and mental health</h2>



The study didn’t just identify people. It predicted health and emotional traits. Breathing patterns reflected body mass index, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleep</a> quality, and mental health. For example, those with higher anxiety scores had shorter inhales and more varied pauses during sleep.



These effects were not linked to illness. All participants were healthy and had no clinical diagnoses. Yet their breathing revealed differences tied to depression, anxiety, and even traits linked to autism. 



“Perhaps the way you breathe makes you anxious or depressed,” said Sobel. “If that’s true, we might be able to change the way you breathe to change those conditions.”



Researchers used a technique called canonical correlation analysis. It showed a strong link between breathing patterns and psychological traits, with a correlation of 0.87 across multiple tests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-data-predicts-mood-behavior">Breathing data predicts mood behavior</h2>



Using nasal airflow data, researchers could predict BMI with strong accuracy. Tidal volume and exhale volume during sleep both correlated with higher BMI. Interestingly, even nasal cycle features, like airflow differences between nostrils, predicted BMI. That suggests brain-driven breathing control is involved.



In those with higher depression scores, the study found faster airflow and longer exhale pauses during wakefulness. For anxiety, shorter inhales and less stable breathing occurred during sleep. Even those with higher autism trait scores showed longer inhale pauses and more variable patterns during sleep.



These findings suggest that breathing patterns reflect both state (like stress or sleep) and trait (like body composition or emotional tendencies).



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-next-steps-and-challenges">Next steps and challenges</h2>



Despite the promise, the device has limitations. The nasal cannula, often associated with illness, may discourage everyday use. It also doesn’t track mouth breathing and sometimes slips during sleep. Soroka and Sobel plan to improve the device's design.



Still, the potential is big. A nasal breathing pattern reader could someday be used to track well-being, monitor mental health, or guide therapies. “We definitely want to go beyond <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-bacteria-breathe-by-creating-electricity/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diagnostics</a> to treatment, and we are cautiously optimistic,” stated Sobel.



Even now, the researchers can identify you by your breathing pattern. Soon, they might help you breathe your way to better health.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(25)00583-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a>.



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Study shows that our breathing pattern is as unique as our fingerprints

Scientists have revealed a new biometric marker: your nasal breathing...

Take a sip of cabernet and your tongue might feel as if it's being scraped by coarse paper, while another vintage wine may glide across your mouth. According to chemists, this contrast in wine texture isn't just about how much tannin is present, but rather the exact molecular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wines-may-develop-new-tastes-as-climate-patterns-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">structure</a> of the tannins themselves.



The new <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40377541/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Condensed Tannin Fragmentation Fingerprinting method</a> tags every tannin fragment as it shatters inside a high‑resolution <a href="https://www.broadinstitute.org/technology-areas/what-mass-spectrometry" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mass spectrometer</a>. The method transforms an invisible chemical jumble into a sortable library of flavor clues that winemakers can read like sheet music.



The peer‑reviewed study was directed by <a href="https://foodscience.psu.edu/directory/mtk5407" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Misha Kwasniewski</a>, associate research professor of fermented beverage science and technology at <a href="https://agsci.psu.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tannins-affect-wine-texture">Tannins affect wine texture</h2>



<a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12111099/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Procyanidins</a> are branched chains of the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/agricultural-and-biological-sciences/flavanols" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">flavanol catechin</a> that can run from two to well over a dozen units, and the twists, bonds, and branching angles within those chains set how tightly the molecules clamp onto salivary proteins. 



Longer, more entangled chains strip away lubrication faster, so the same <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-grapes-became-wine-in-italy-over-7000-years/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">chemical</a> family can create either a silky glide or a chalky drag across the gums.



When tannins bind those proteins, the resulting complexes lose solubility and scatter light - roughening tissue surfaces and amplifying the tactile signal drinkers describe as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34796497/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">astringency</a>. 



The familiar sensation is therefore less about tongue chemistry than about the mechanical friction created once saliva’s slip layer has been thinned out.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mixtures-of-taste-and-touch">Mixtures of taste and touch</h2>



Bitterness rides a different sensory pathway, relying on taste‑bud receptors that respond to specific tannin fragments floating free in the fluid rather than to whole chains. 



Two drinks can carry the same total tannin load yet, by favoring different fragment sizes, trigger strikingly different mixtures of taste and touch.



Climate compounds the story because cooler regions produce grapes with fewer skin tannins and shorter seed tannins. As a result, wines from Pennsylvania or Scandinavia often feel lighter than peers from California or Australia even when alcohol, color, and sugar match. 



This gap has long frustrated growers who cannot simply boost tannin numbers without upsetting balance elsewhere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tannin-structure-and-wine-texture-details">Tannin structure and wine texture details</h2>



Similar <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32242660/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in‑source fragmentation</a> approaches are gaining traction across metabolomics because they deliver tandem‑level structural detail on instruments that usually collect only parent masses, saving both money and analysis time. 



The Penn State team adapted the trick for tannins by firing three voltage steps (gentle, moderate, and high) at each molecule. This ensured that dimers, trimers, and longer polymers all leave distinctive fingerprints.



The researchers validated the workflow on 19 lab mixtures whose tannin <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wine-production-in-a-warming-world-the-winners-and-losers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recipes</a> were already known, deliberately mixing short and long chains to challenge the algorithm. 



The fingerprint report matched within two percentage points across the board, then repeated the performance on eight commercial ciders where the ingredient lists were revealed only after testing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-does-it-matter">Why does it matter?</h2>



The precision of the tannin fingerprinting method matters because classic colorimetric or precipitation assays lump every tannin together, masking the structural fine print that drives texture and health activity. 



Without that information, winemakers have been forced to tweak fermentation time, barrel choice, or fining agents by taste alone and hope the chemistry followed.



“Sometimes that tannic element is really harsh, like dragging sandpaper across your tongue. Other times it is velvety or smooth,” said Kwasniewski.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-manipulating-the-texture-of-wine">Manipulating the texture of wine</h2>



Pennsylvania vintners often struggle to build the weightier mouthfeel associated with <a href="https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=vitis+vinifera" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vitis vinifera</a> harvested in warmer valleys where skins thicken and seeds ripen fully. 



With the new fingerprint in hand, they can select clones, tweak maceration length, or add oak alternatives in a more targeted quest for body.



Because the read‑out comes from a one‑minute <a href="https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)/Instrumentation_and_Analysis/Chromatography/Liquid_Chromatography" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">liquid‑chromatography</a> run, small wineries could check fermentations each morning, log the tannin profile, and steer punch‑downs or blending before irreversible changes set in. 



Kwasniewski’s group is beta‑testing a suitcase‑sized instrument that can plug into the hose manifold next to the press.



Cider makers and craft‑beer <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/red-or-white-the-surprising-truth-about-wine-and-cancer-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brewers</a> have joined the conversation, chasing the sweet spot where bitterness perks up flavor without tipping into harsh drying. 



Early trials suggest they can tune ingredient blends to drop perceived bitterness by fifteen percent while keeping the bright snap consumers expect.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-tannin-structure-and-health-benefits">Tannin structure and health benefits</h2>



Beyond flavor, tannin architecture parallels antioxidant power in foods such as dark chocolate, where procyanidins shoulder much of the <a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/free-radical" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">free‑radical</a> scavenging load. 



Early <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0955286302002152" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">work</a> shows that lengthening certain procyanidin chains can boost oxidative‑stress protection in tissue models without altering taste.



The Penn State fingerprint could therefore let nutrition researchers screen <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4696435/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cocoa</a> batches or tea harvests for the most potent molecular forms before those ingredients reach candy factories or teabags. Regulators in turn might rely on the data to validate label claims about flavanol content.



It could also clarify why some epidemiological reports tie moderate red‑<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/moderate-wine-consumption-reduces-cardiovascular-risks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wine</a> intake to vascular benefits while others find weaker links. Differentiating tannin shapes instead of measuring simple totals may reconcile those mixed results and point nutrition guidelines toward structure‑specific thresholds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-uses-of-tannin-fingerprinting">Future uses of tannin fingerprinting</h2>



The team now plans to push detection toward even larger tannin polymers that dominate age‑worthy reds - a task that may require higher voltages or alternative ionization modes to break the stubborn giants apart. 



Parallel work aims to translate the approach to <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9796155/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">white‑wine phenolics</a>, coffee, and even hops.



Collaborations with grape breeders are under way to evaluate experimental crosses for mouthfeel before full planting, turning sensory instinct into data that farmers can act on. 



If the project succeeds, future drink labels could list nuanced tannin fingerprints alongside alcohol percentage and acidity.



The study is published in the <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.5c02379?goto=supporting-info" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry</a>.



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Hidden chemistry of wine: What actually shapes its texture?

Take a sip of cabernet and your tongue might feel...

The idea that what we eat shapes how we sleep is catching on fast. A new six-month clinical trial puts the humble avocado at the center of that discussion. 



The research, led by Dr. Kristina Petersen of <a href="https://www.worldcampus.psu.edu/?cid=CPC39865&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=216632423&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwu7TCBhCYARIsAM_S3Njk18_xKLXHwaS2Zu0LDF2JIvkEKY6cuE1XfwJLezsIvCB_JPOl65kaAiMzEALw_wcB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Penn State University</a>, was focused on 969 adults with larger waistlines. The study revealed that individuals who ate one avocado each day reported about 30 extra minutes of nightly sleep compared with the control group. 



Heart doctors now treat solid sleep health as seriously as blood pressure. According to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/heart-disease/about/sleep-and-heart-health.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention</a>, adults who regularly get fewer than seven hours have higher odds of heart attack and stroke. 



The <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle/lifes-essential-8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Heart Association</a> includes sleep in its Life's Essential 8 checklist, alongside diet, exercise, and nicotine avoidance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-avocado-nutrients-matter-for-sleep-nbsp">Why avocado nutrients matter for sleep&nbsp;</h2>



According to the researchers, one-third of a medium avocado delivers 13 milligrams of <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2908021/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tryptophan</a>, the amino acid the body uses to make melatonin. It also brings 45 µg of <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Folate-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">folate</a> and 15 milligrams of <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magnesium</a>, which are both tied to smoother circadian rhythms.&nbsp;



Each serving supplies three grams of fiber and five grams of <a href="https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/fats/monounsaturated-fats" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">monounsaturated fat</a>, nutrients that can trim LDL cholesterol and support steady blood sugar, two issues that often disturb sleep.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocado-improves-sleep-and-diet">Avocado improves sleep and diet</h2>



Volunteers in the Habitual Diet and Avocado Trial (<a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34496276/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HAT</a>) were randomized to eat either one large Hass avocado <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.039130" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily</a> or fewer than two avocados per month for twenty-six weeks.



Compliance stayed high, about 88 % of the avocado group reported eating the full fruit on recall days, yet their overall calories barely changed, suggesting people swapped rather than piled on food. 



The avocado group scored three points higher on the diet component of Life’s Essential 8 and showed modest reductions in LDL cholesterol, echoing earlier single-food trials.



“Sleep is emerging as a key lifestyle factor in heart health, and this study invites us to consider how nutrition - and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-diet-shifts-the-hidden-costs-of-what-we-eat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">foods</a> like avocado - can play a role in improving it,” said Dr. Petersen. Self-reported sleep increased from an average of 6.4 to nearly 7.0 hours per night.&nbsp;



Heart health depends on a variety of factors. While no one <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-methane-in-your-gut-says-about-your-diet/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> can solve everything, avocados provide several nutrients that contribute to different areas of cardiovascular well-being.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-avocado-may-influence-sleep">How avocado may influence sleep</h2>



Magnesium <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39252819/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">supplements</a> can deepen slow-wave sleep in adults with insomnia, and similar benefits appear when the mineral comes from food.



Tryptophan-rich evening snacks have been <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2654999/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shown</a> to lift nighttime melatonin and lower restlessness in lab studies. Avocados supply both compounds in a heart-healthy package.



The fruit’s steady stream of potassium may also help keep blood pressure dips that occur during deep sleep within a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-you-eat-can-literally-change-the-world/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy</a> range, though that mechanism still lacks direct trial evidence.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-avocados-may-influence-hormones">Avocados may influence hormones</h2>



Emerging <a href="https://www.maxapress.com/article/doi/10.48130/FMR-2023-0013" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">research</a> also hints that avocados may influence hormonal balance, particularly cortisol and insulin - two key players in sleep and cardiovascular health. 



The monounsaturated fats in avocados have been shown to support insulin sensitivity and reduce inflammation, both of which can contribute to more restful sleep and improved heart health.



Cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, naturally dips at night to prepare us for sleep. Some <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK326737/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">studies</a> suggest that nutrient-dense, fat-rich foods like avocados may help regulate the timing and magnitude of these dips, potentially smoothing the transition to deeper sleep cycles.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diet-sleep-and-cardiovascular-links">Diet, sleep, and cardiovascular links</h2>



The study also showed that eating avocados daily improved overall <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-protein-packed-diets-are-really-doing-to-your-gut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">diet</a> quality, which is a foundational pillar in Life’s Essential 8. 



A better diet has cascading effects, not just on cholesterol and glucose, but on how the body regulates stress, hormones, and metabolism, all of which feed back into sleep patterns.



While the exact biological link between avocado nutrients and sleep isn't fully mapped, researchers believe the combination of healthy fats, fiber, and micronutrients may support more stable blood sugar and calm the nervous system, factors that are tied to sleep duration and quality.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-research-directions">Future research directions </h2>



Because sleep was not the primary endpoint, the researchers relied on questionnaires instead of wearable trackers. 



Future trials that collect objective sleep stages and timing could confirm whether avocado nutrients directly lengthen restorative phases like <a href="https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/rem-sleep-what-is-it-why-is-it-important-and-how-can-you-get-more-of-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">REM</a> sleep.



The study group already had elevated waistlines, so the results may not translate to leaner adults or children. Researchers also want to see if pairing avocados with exercise or weight-loss plans produces bigger gains on the full Life’s Essential 8 score.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-simple-tips-for-daily-life">Simple tips for daily life</h2>



Swap the late-night cookie for half an avocado on whole-grain toast sprinkled with pumpkin seeds. The mix pairs healthy fat with extra magnesium and tryptophan. 



Keep ripe avocados on the counter and the rest in the fridge to maintain freshness throughout the week. A squeeze of lemon slows browning when you store the second half.



If you take blood-thinning medication, remember that avocados are high in <a href="https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/vitamin-k/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vitamin K</a>, and it's important to discuss major diet changes with your clinician first. Adding a single food will not erase poor sleep hygiene, but it can be a good start. 



The study is published in the <a href="https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/JAHA.124.039130" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal of the American Heart Association</a>.



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Want better sleep? Try eating an avocado daily

The idea that what we eat shapes how we sleep...

Most people go through life feeling glued to their skin. Hands move, feet follow, and the world stays in front of their eyes. Yet a surprising slice of the population has reported slipping loose, hovering a few feet up, and seeing their own body from the outside. 



The phenomenon is called an out-of-body experience (OBE), and its meaning has long puzzled science.



Researchers estimate that anywhere from 5 to 20 percent of global adults have touched this odd territory at least once.



Such accounts crop up in emergency rooms, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/psilocybin-deeply-enhances-meditation-insights/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation retreats</a>, and even on living-room couches during an afternoon nap. 



Pilots under high G-forces have logged them, and neurologists have induced similar sensations in lab volunteers by tickling a small patch of brain behind the right ear. 



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obes-the-strangest-trip-of-all">OBEs: The strangest trip of all</h2>



OBEs share a common script: sight and touch split. People feel <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/the-human-brain-adapts-to-weightlessness-in-space/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weightless</a>, hear the room dimly, and watch themselves from above. 



Laboratory work links the effect to the temporoparietal junction, the brain’s traffic circle for balance, vision, and the sense of owning a body. 



When signals there clash - because of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-eats-away-our-brains-cognitive-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stress</a>, epilepsy, lack of oxygen, or a virtual-reality headset - the mind may decide to leave its usual seat.



Historical texts show that monks, shamans, and soldiers have all written about brief departures. Modern imaging backs them up: the body stays put. 



Yet cardiology monitors sometimes register sudden drops in heart rate during an OBE, hinting at a reflex that calms the nervous system when things feel too intense.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-surveying-the-floaters">Surveying the floaters</h2>



After years of scattered anecdotes, a fresh survey from the <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Virginia</a> School of Medicine takes stock. The team surveyed more than 500 adults who were certain they had floated. 



Four out of five said it happened between one and four times; the rest reported at least five departures. Most first left their body in childhood.



Nearly three-quarters called the event spontaneous. Nine percent linked it to <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ancient-arabians-burned-harmal-plants-to-heal-and-protect/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">psychoactive compounds</a>, while 8.2 percent said meditation, visualization, or similar practices did the trick. Only 0.7 percent pointed to hypnosis.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-obes-and-the-stress-connection">OBEs and the stress connection</h2>



The new data reveal a heavy shadow of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/child-maltreatment-triples-the-risk-of-substance-use/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">early hardship</a>. Many participants recalled medical trauma or abusive homes. 



They also carried more mental-health diagnoses than peers who had never floated, and the likelihood of a diagnosis increased the longer it had been since that first OBE. 



Many people who’ve had out-of-body experiences (OBEs) worry there’s something wrong with them and keep quiet out of fear of being judged. 



“Unfortunately, many mental-health professionals still view these experiences in the same way,” said Weiler, a neuroscientist with UVA’s <a href="https://med.virginia.edu/perceptual-studies/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Division of Perceptual Studies</a>.



Weiler’s team found that individuals who’ve had OBEs often report poorer mental health than those who haven’t. 



However, the researchers believe OBEs may act as “a coping mechanism in response to past trauma,” rather than a sign of illness. 



They urge clinicians to reconsider how they view these experiences and to meet them with “greater openness and sensitivity.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-gains-from-leaving-the-body">Gains from leaving the body</h2>



The survey also tracked unexpected upsides. Fifty-five percent of participants said the experience changed their life; seventy-one percent felt a lasting benefit; and forty percent called it the greatest thing that had ever happened to them. 



Many described a lighter view of death, deeper calm, and a sharper sense of connection to other people. These reports match earlier studies in hospital patients, where OBEs sometimes eased anxiety after major surgery.



While stress can tip the brain into an OBE, curiosity clearly plays a role. Some volunteers used <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wim-hof-method-helps-fight-stress-inflammation/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">breathing exercises</a> or sleep-onset tricks to nudge the event on purpose, chasing the mental clarity they felt hovering in the air. 



Scientists studying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/meditation-slows-biological-aging-at-the-molecular-level/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meditation</a> note similar patterns of detachment during deep practice, though the body stays motionless on the cushion.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-clinical-implications">Clinical implications</h2>



“This view,” the researchers write, “shifts the focus from causation to the possibility that OBEs may also emerge as a consequence - a coping strategy for navigating difficult or traumatic experiences.” 



Their argument moves attention away from the spectacle of floating and toward the stress that often hides underneath. 



“If OBEs are understood not as symptoms of pathology but as coping mechanisms - especially in response to trauma - this reframing can lead to several important shifts in clinical practice, research, and public understanding,” Weiler explained.



“Ultimately, we hope to reduce the stigma around this topic, encourage help-seeking, and build community and resilience among experiencers.”



Therapists who meet an OBE client might soon ask different questions: not “Why did you split from your body?” but “What weight were you carrying when you launched?” 



Workshops for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/witnessing-trauma-may-cause-ptsd-in-a-different-way/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PTSD</a> already teach grounding techniques, yet some clinicians now explore whether guided imagery that safely mimics an OBE can loosen painful memories without triggering panic.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-where-do-obes-go-from-here">Where do OBEs go from here?</h2>



Portable brain scanners and motion-tracking beds promise sharper views of the moment liftoff begins. Researchers aim to map the split-second traffic between inner ear, skin sensors, and sight that lets the self drift. 



Others wonder whether the heart’s slowdown during OBEs could teach new ways to manage panic attacks or chronic pain.



For now, the lesson is plain: when the mind steps outside, it may be staging a clever retreat, buying time until life feels safe again. 



Listening to the story behind that retreat might help bring both mind and body back into easy conversation.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0191886925002545" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Personality and Individual Differences</a>.



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When the mind leaves the body - Scientists investigate the incredible phenomenon of OBEs

Most people go through life feeling glued to their skin....

A soft, stretchable contact lens can now track eye pressure and movement, even when the eyelids are shut. It sends high-resolution, real-time data to a phone without blurring vision or causing discomfort.



The twin measurements - intraocular pressure and subtle shifts in gaze - are vital for catching problems like glaucoma before damage occurs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-the-smart-contact-lens-works">How the smart contact lens works</h2>



Created by engineers at the <a href="https://en.uestc.edu.cn/">University of Electronic Science and Technology of China</a> and tested in rabbits and people, the lens merges capacitive and magnetic sensors inside a five-layer film.



Serpentine copper wires register pressure changes as small as one millimeter of mercury (mmHg). A wafer-thin, neodymium-doped band answers the pressure coils with a magnetic pulse that reveals eye movement.



Both signals reach an exterior receiver the size of ordinary specs and then hop wirelessly to any Bluetooth-ready device.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-eye-pressure-matters-overnight"><a></a>Why eye pressure matters overnight</h2>



Glaucoma steals sight by slowly eroding the optic nerve. The damage often begins with pressure spikes that emerge after lights-out, when standard tonometers cannot operate.



Excess pressure is not the whole story: rapid eye movement sweeps and irregular <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/gaze-and-intention-the-unspoken-language-of-survival/">gaze</a> fixes also correlate with disease risk.



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/smart-contact-lens_stretchable-BCL_credit-Micro-Nano-Journal_1big.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/smart-contact-lens_stretchable-BCL_credit-Micro-Nano-Journal_1s.webp" alt="Design and working principle of the BCL. (i) Schematic diagram of BCL-based closed-eye capacitive intraocular pressure (CIOP) and magnetic eye movement (MEM) monitoring. (ii) Key components of the BCL. (iii) Optical images depicting the BCL in initial, stretched, and twisted states, and the experimental setup worn on an eyeball. (iv) Wireless transmission of CIOP and MEM signals to portable devices. b Three-dimensional image illustrating the thickness of various BCL components. c Height profile along the pink line in (b), displaying the height of multilayer components. d Finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental results of the BCL under a series of pressing heights, with corresponding experimental height results. e Biocompatibility Characterization of the BCL. Credit: Microsystems &amp; Nanoengineering" class="wp-image-1973876"/></a><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Design and working principle of the BCL. (i) Schematic diagram of BCL-based closed-eye capacitive intraocular pressure (CIOP) and magnetic eye movement (MEM) monitoring. (ii) Key components of the BCL. (iii) Optical images depicting the BCL in initial, stretched, and twisted states, and the experimental setup worn on an eyeball. (iv) Wireless transmission of CIOP and MEM signals to portable devices. b Three-dimensional image illustrating the thickness of various BCL components. c Height profile along the pink line in (b), displaying the height of multilayer components. d Finite element analysis (FEA) and experimental results of the BCL under a series of pressing heights, with corresponding experimental height results. e Biocompatibility Characterization of the BCL. Click image to enlarge. Credit: Microsystems &amp; Nanoengineering</figcaption></figure>



Until now, no wearable system captured both cues while the eyes stayed closed. The new lens does, offering a missing night-time readout that could sharpen diagnosis and tailor drug timing.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-engineering-the-smart-contact-lens">Engineering the smart contact lens</h2>



The device builds its sensing core on a transparent elastomer shaped like a standard hydrogel lens. Five nested sheets keep the profile thinner than the edge of a credit card.



The outer face hosts the copper coil, tuned to deform with corneal bulges caused by pressure shifts. A middle layer embeds stretchable conductors leading to a micro-scale circuit. 



Beneath that lies the magnetic film, followed by a comfort cushion that rests on the eye. A final, oxygen-permeable coating seals the stack and preserves clarity.



Tests on rabbit eyes showed the lens surviving thousands of blinks and pressure cycles without delamination. Human volunteers wore it for two hours under continuous monitoring and reported no burning, redness, or blur.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-continuous-data-and-instant-feedback">Continuous data and instant feedback</h2>



A glasses-mounted Tesla meter reads the magnetic changes from the lens with more than 97 percent accuracy, translating those variations into horizontal, vertical, and rotational eye motion.



At the same time, the coil’s resonance shift reveals pressure. A companion phone app plots both streams in real time and stores them for later review. 



Clinicians can compare overnight peaks to daily baseline values, flagging patterns that merit therapy adjustments.



“This technology bridges a long-standing gap in ophthalmic care,” noted Dr. Guang Yao, co-lead author of the study.



“The ability to monitor both intraocular pressure and eye movement continuously - even when the eyes are closed - offers a more complete picture of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vitamin-helps-prevent-cataracts-and-maintain-eye-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">eye health</a>.”



“It enables early intervention and more accurate tracking of disease progression, particularly for glaucoma patients. And because it's wireless and wearable, it can be used comfortably at home, not just in clinics.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-detecting-early-warning-signs">Detecting early warning signs</h2>



Eye movement data hint at disorders far outside ophthalmology. Irregular REM cycles mark sleep apnea and some mood conditions. Tremor-like micro-saccades can foreshadow <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/pesticide-exposure-increases-the-risk-of-parkinsons-disease/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Parkinson’s disease</a>.



By delivering a clean, night-long trace, the smart contact lens could help neurologists map early warning signs without bulky lab gear. It may also aid attention studies, tracking gaze stability during prolonged tasks.



The research team foresees layering a drug-reservoir ring onto the current design. In such a closed-loop lens, a pressure spike could trigger a micro-valve to release medication directly onto the cornea.



Add a thin glucose sensor, and the system might warn diabetics of rising blood sugar while dosing their eyes as needed. 



Modular fabrication means each medical discipline could swap in its own sensing film without reinventing the core electronics.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smart-contact-lens-monitors-vision-health">Smart contact lens monitors vision health</h2>



Biocompatibility assays showed no toxic leachates or immune response over a week-long animal trial. Vision tests confirmed that the lens preserved contrast and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rare-retinal-cells-explain-complex-color-perception/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">color perception</a>.



The next hurdles are mass production and regulatory review, both eased by the fact that the base materials already appear in commercial lenses and wearable electronics. As costs drop, the device could reach pharmacies as a prescription add-on rather than a hospital-only tool.



Until now, monitoring eye health meant using slit-lamp exams or wearing daytime-only sensors - not a lens that worked around the clock.



The stretchable bimodal contact lens rewrites that rulebook, letting vision care continue after the lights go out. 



By catching nocturnal pressure surges and mapping every flicker of motion, it gives doctors a fuller, round-the-clock picture of the organ they struggle hardest to observe.



For millions at risk of silent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-ai-could-protect-millions-of-people-from-vision-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vision loss</a>, a routine morning sync with their phone could soon replace guesswork with precise, night-laden data - and turn sleep into an ally in safeguarding sight.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41378-025-00946-y" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a>.



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Smart contact lens keeps an eye on your health, night and day

A soft, stretchable contact lens can now track eye pressure...

A roaring hockey crowd can spark brain energy in an arena faster than anything else. The sight of skaters hurtling across the ice excites viewers, but deeper <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/stress-hijacks-the-brain-disrupting-sleep-and-memory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain</a> activity may be flickering beneath the surface of a fan’s mind.



Fans come from all walks of life. Some passively watch the puck glide around, while others hang on every shift, penalty, and shot attempt as if the future of the universe depends on the next goal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-brains-of-hockey-fans-during-a-game">Brains of hockey fans during a game</h2>



In a recent study by the <a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Waterloo</a>, researchers used a tool known as functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to see if certain people’s brains respond differently during key points in a game. 



<a href="https://uwaterloo.ca/recreation-and-leisure-studies/people-profiles/luke-potwarka" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dr. Luke Potwarka</a>, associate professor at the University of Waterloo, led this project and took a keen interest in moments that even casual observers might shrug off. 



“We found that for fans who really love the sport, these face-offs were moments of intense <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/your-brain-literally-changes-based-on-daily-activities-and-lifestyle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mental</a> engagement,” said Dr. Potwarka. 



These were the moments when fans weren’t just watching, they were mentally preparing, anticipating, and evaluating what might come next.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-key-hockey-moments-activate-the-brain">Key hockey moments activate the brain</h2>



Face-offs happen countless times in any hockey match. They reset play and give teams a chance to gain control of the puck in strategic areas.



Serious fans often lean forward at that moment. They know a face-off close to the opponent’s net can decide momentum, even if it does not produce an immediate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/brains-learn-new-skills-much-faster-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">goal</a>.



The <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/immunology-and-microbiology/dorsomedial-prefrontal-cortex" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dorsal medial prefrontal cortex</a> is one region that can show stronger signals when emotional intensity ramps up. Researchers noticed that fans with higher <a href="https://pure.psu.edu/en/publications/an-examination-of-the-relationship-between-leisure-activity-invol" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ego involvement</a> showed more activation in that area during offensive face-off moments.



For casual observers, these face-offs seemed more ordinary. They responded strongly to obvious events such as a goal, but their brains did not light up as much for plays setting the stage for potential scores.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emotional-attachment-changes-brain-activity">Emotional attachment changes brain activity</h2>



People who identify with a sport often build personal rituals around watching games. They might rearrange plans or wear specific clothing to support their team.



That personal attachment can translate into heightened emotional states when a possible shift in the game’s balance is on the line. Researchers suggest that these insights could help broadcasters tailor content to engage longtime supporters and casual viewers alike.



Fans with strong ego involvement don’t just enjoy hockey, they see it as part of who they are. That identity shapes how they process information, narrowing their focus during key game moments and increasing emotional investment in outcomes.



In the study, individuals who felt most connected to the sport showed heightened activity in both sides of their dorsomedial prefrontal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/how-the-brain-learns-study-reveals-an-unexpected-twist/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cortex</a>, especially when offensive face-offs occurred. 



This suggests that identity-linked attention kicks in before anything major happens on the ice, not just after a big play unfolds.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-using-brain-data-from-hockey-fans">Using brain data from hockey fans </h2>



Sports broadcasters could focus on face-offs or other subtle cues with more compelling commentary. That extra detail might capture the attention of viewers who have yet to develop a strong bond with the game.



Production crews might also highlight slow-motion replays of a critical face-off to show tactics and anticipation. This approach could gradually spark interest for newcomers while feeding the excitement of loyal fans.



Hockey is a fast-moving event. Goals and penalties are the high-drama moments that grab headlines. Yet this study shows that smaller details can captivate those who hold hockey close to their hearts.&nbsp;



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-casual-fans-might-miss">What casual fans might miss</h2>



The absence of strong neural responses from casual fans during offensive face-offs highlights how much knowledge shapes perception. 



Without a deeper understanding of hockey strategy, these viewers may not recognize the tension and possibilities building in those moments.



This difference matters because it means broadcasters can’t assume every viewer sees the same game. What seems ordinary to one person might feel like a make-or-break moment to someone else, depending on how much of their identity is tied to the sport.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-exploring-brain-responses-beyond-hockey">Exploring brain responses beyond hockey</h2>



These findings open up possibilities for researchers who want to see how fans react in other sports. 



Differences in knowledge, loyalty, and emotional ties likely play a role in how viewers respond to game events. Basketball, soccer, and baseball each have distinct moments akin to hockey’s face-offs. 



As scientists continue to refine <a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/news/2024/sep/wearable-brain-imaging-device-shines-light-how-babies-respond-real-world-situations" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wearable brain-imaging devices</a>, they may reveal new ways to understand the bond between spectators and the sports they love.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-96895-7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Scientific Reports</a>.



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Loyal hockey fans show higher brain activity during matches

A roaring hockey crowd can spark brain energy in an...

School,,Education,And,Laziness,Concept,-,Tired,Teenage,Student,Girl

Late nights are a badge of honor in many high‑school hallways, yet the cost often hides in plain sight. When classes, homework, and screens shave hours off nightly rest, stress hormones rise and moods wobble. 



A new investigation of nearly two thousand middle‑schoolers marks out a simple guardrail: sleep in a little on weekend mornings, but stop well before lunchtime.



After tracking wrist‑device data and mental‑health scores, the team observed the best outlook in teens who added under two extra hours of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-prepares-the-brain-for-the-future-while-protecting-memories-of-the-past/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shut‑eye</a> on Saturdays and Sundays.



<a href="https://cas.uoregon.edu/directory/natural-sciences/all/sojeongk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sojeong Kim</a> of the University of Oregon, presenting the findings today at the SLEEP 2025 meeting in Seattle, led the study with colleagues from the <a href="https://abcdstudy.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development project</a>.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-most-teens-don-t-sleep-enough">Most teens don’t sleep enough</h2>



Only <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/yrbs/dstr/pdf/dstr-dietary-physicalactivity-sleepbehavior2013-2023-508.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">23 percent</a> of U.S. high‑school students log at least eight hours on a school night, federal surveyors reported last year. Sparse rest shows up as poorer attention, slower memory consolidation, and heavier <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-quality-could-be-the-key-to-better-metabolic-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">emotional swings</a>.



The <a href="https://aasm.org/advocacy/position-statements/teen-sleep-duration-health-advisory/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">American Academy of Sleep Medicine</a> advises 13‑ to 18‑year‑olds to bank eight to ten hours each night for steady growth and learning. 



Yet biology pushes adolescents to prefer late bedtimes, while early bells drag them out of bed before their <a href="https://nigms.nih.gov/education/fact-sheets/Pages/circadian-rhythms" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">circadian rhythm</a> finishes its natural cycle.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-teens-naturally-sleep-and-wake-up-late">Teens naturally sleep and wake up late</h2>



Teenagers experience a biological delay in their circadian rhythm, meaning they naturally fall asleep and wake up later than younger children or adults. 



This shift is caused by changes in <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/melatonin-for-sleep-does-it-work" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">melatonin</a> production during puberty, which pushes the body's internal clock back by one to two hours.



Because school start times don’t align with this shift, teens are often forced to wake up while still in their biological night. 



The resulting disconnect between natural sleep patterns and social demands is known as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8707256/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">social jetlag</a>, a condition that has been linked to mood disorders and reduced academic performance.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weekend-sleep-boost-of-1-2-hours-helps-mood">Weekend sleep boost of 1–2 hours helps mood</h2>



Researchers call the practice of extending weekend sleep <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36612896/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">weekend catch‑up sleep</a>. Kim’s group sorted participants into three bands: no catch‑up, one to two hours, and more than two hours.&nbsp;



Those in the middle group scored lowest on internalizing symptoms, a bundle of anxiety and low mood markers, even after the team adjusted for sex, race, and socioeconomic status. 



The results echo a South Korean cohort in which teens adding 60–119 minutes on weekends reported higher well‑being than those who slept in longer.



“The results show that both <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/why-new-mothers-feel-exhausted-despite-getting-sleep/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sleeping</a> less on weekends than weekdays and sleeping substantially more on weekends were associated with higher anxiety symptoms,” explained Kim.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-weekend-sleep-tracked-using-fitbits">Weekend sleep tracked using fitbits</h2>



Researchers collected data from 1,877 teens with an average age of 13.5 years. Each participant wore a Fitbit device to objectively measure sleep duration across both weekdays and weekends.



To track mental health, the team used the <a href="https://aseba.org/wp-content/uploads/BPM-Y11-18_511-sample-copy-watermark-1.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brief Problem Monitor–Youth</a>, a tool that evaluates internalizing symptoms like anxiety and low mood. 



Weekend catch‑up sleep was calculated by subtracting average weekday sleep from weekend totals, then categorizing teens into three groups based on this difference.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-too-much-rebound-can-backfire">Why too much rebound can backfire</h2>



At first glance, extra hours of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/one-night-of-lost-sleep-can-trigger-hidden-health-issues/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rest</a> should erase weekday debt. But oversleeping drags the body clock later, making Sunday night shut‑eye harder to achieve and starting a fresh deficit cycle. 



Long morning lie‑ins also trim daylight exposure, one of the easiest cues for resetting melatonin release.



Laboratory work <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11578994/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">links</a> irregular sleep‑wake patterns with higher evening cortisol and amygdala reactivity, biological changes tied to anxious rumination. 



Kim’s data reinforce the idea that stability, not sheer quantity, keeps teenage brains on an even keel.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-parents-can-support-better-sleep-routines">Parents can support better sleep routines</h2>



A two‑hour allowance is practical: if a teen usually rises at 6:30 a.m., a target of 8:30 a.m. on Saturday lets friends stay up for a movie without wrecking Monday. 



Families can dim house lights an hour before bed, swap late‑night scrolling for music or journaling, and schedule weekend sports or chores mid‑morning so alarms are still needed.



“Many teens try to make up for lost sleep by sleeping in on weekends,” Kim said. Parental buy‑in helps translate that urge into a measured routine rather than an open‑ended Sunday sleep marathon.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-school-schedules-still-matter">School schedules still matter</h2>



Household tweaks compete with systemic hurdles. U.S. high schools typically start before 8:00 a.m., yet laboratories show adolescent brains remain in a biological night until about that hour. 



Districts that shifted bells past 8:30 a.m. report stronger attendance and lower crash rates, supporting the idea that policy can lighten the private work parents now shoulder.



Weekend guidelines will not replace nightly sufficiency. The new study found no benefit for teens who grabbed little or no rebound sleep, underscoring that weekday restriction still carried emotional costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-better-tools-may-guide-weekend-sleep-habits">Better tools may guide weekend sleep habits</h2>



Kim’s team plans longitudinal analyses to test whether moderate weekend recovery predicts future mental‑health resilience. 



Wearable devices give scientists a sharper lens than self‑reports and may soon guide personalized alerts, nudging students to adjust bedtime before mood dips.



Until then, a modest Saturday lie‑in stands out as a simple win: enough to refill the tank, not enough to flood the system.



The study is published in <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/48/Supplement_1/A115/8136037" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sleep</a>.



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Weekend catch up sleep benefits teens when done right

Late nights are a badge of honor in many high‑school...

Many people today outlive their parents and grandparents, yet the extra years often bring a tangle of chronic illnesses. Scientists want those later decades to feel less like overtime and more like prime time, so they are probing ways to postpone the biological slide that usually accelerates after age 65.



One avenue getting serious attention swaps crash diets for chemistry. 



<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-caloric-restriction-help-you-live-longer-its-complicated/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cutting calories</a> without malnutrition stretches the life of mice, worms, and even rhesus monkeys, but sticking to that routine is tough and can cause dizziness, brittle bones, and hair thinning. 



Researchers are hunting for pills that give the same benefits while letting dinner stay on the plate.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-importance-of-aging-research">Importance of aging research</h2>



Aging drives most top killers - <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-coffee-drinkers-have-a-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">heart disease</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-scientist-discovers-that-common-non-cancer-drugs-when-combined-can-kill-cancer-cells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cancer</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dementia-was-extremely-rare-in-ancient-times-so-why-is-it-now-so-prevalent/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dementia</a> - by pushing cells toward dysfunction. Delaying the underlying process could reduce the burden of several conditions at once instead of treating each separately. 



Public health economists note that trimming even a few years off late-life disability would save billions in care costs and lift quality of life for millions.



Most drug discovery still targets single diseases, yet a growing field called geroscience treats aging itself as the root cause. 



Caloric-restriction mimetics, or CRMs, sit high on the wish list because they tap into <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/intermittent-fasting-slows-aging-by-boosting-cell-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">metabolic circuits</a> that animals already use to survive lean times. 



When those circuits turn on, cells tidy up damaged proteins, improve energy use, and bolster stress defenses.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-caloric-restriction-and-its-hurdles">Caloric restriction and its hurdles</h2>



Classic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dietary-restriction-slows-brain-aging-and-increases-lifespan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">caloric restriction</a> usually means eating 20–40 percent fewer calories than normal for years on end. 



The evidence in rodents is striking, but people find the regimen unsustainable, and severe energy cuts can weaken immunity. A safer strategy aims to flip the same molecular switches with medication.



Computational screening tools now search drug libraries for compounds that make human cells mimic the gene-expression profile seen under calorie shortfall. 



The approach is faster than testing each molecule in live animals first and often highlights drugs already approved for other conditions, cutting years off the path to clinical trials.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rilmenidine-common-pill-fights-aging">Rilmenidine - common pill fights aging</h2>



One surprising hit from these searches is rilmenidine, a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/rilmenidine" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hypertension medicine</a> taken by mouth for three decades. 



After machine-learning models flagged it, a team led by molecular biogerontologist João Pedro Magalhães at the <a href="https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Birmingham UK</a> put it to the test in Caenorhabditis elegans, a small soil worm favored by aging researchers. 



“For the first time, we have been able to show in animals that rilmenidine can increase lifespan,” he said. 



The same trial delivered another bonus: older worms benefited almost as much as young ones, hinting that humans would not need to start treatment in middle age.



The drug’s safety record also helps. Doctors prescribe rilmenidine worldwide for high blood pressure, and side effects are rare and relatively mild: they include palpitations, insomnia, and drowsiness in a few cases. 



As Magalhães noted, “We are now keen to explore if rilmenidine may have other clinical applications.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-rilmenidine-acts-inside-cells">How rilmenidine acts inside cells</h2>



Rilmenidine binds to imidazoline receptors, tiny docking stations on cell membranes that regulate metabolism. In worms, one receptor called <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Characterization-of-NISH-1_fig1_355334171" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nish-1</a> turned out to be essential. 



“We found that the lifespan-extending effects of rilmenidine were abolished when nish-1 was deleted," the research team explained. They then re-introduced the receptor gene. Rescuing the nish-1 receptor reinstated the increase in lifespan after treatment with rilmenidine.



Those findings outline a clear pathway for future drug tweaks aimed at boosting potency or reducing any unwanted effects.



Downstream from nish-1, the treated worms ramped up autophagy - the cell’s waste-disposal system - and tolerated heat stress better than untreated peers. 



Neither developmental timing nor fertility shifted, suggesting the drug targeted aging pathways rather than growth or reproduction.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-testing-across-species">Testing across species</h2>



C. elegans <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rna-junk-is-crucial-for-human-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shares many genes</a> with humans, yet researchers need data from mammals before moving to people. 



The Birmingham group therefore fed rilmenidine to mice and saw gene-expression changes in liver and kidney tissue that matched the classic caloric-restriction signature. 



Blood biomarkers of metabolism shifted toward youthful levels, reinforcing the idea that the pill taps into ancient survival programs conserved across species.



Because the compound is already approved, early-phase human trials could focus directly on biological markers such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sleep-loss-has-a-greater-impact-on-heart-health-than-expected/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflammatory proteins</a>, insulin sensitivity, and muscle strength. 



Rilmenidine’s oral delivery is a practical advantage over drugs that require injections or special diets.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-rilmenidine-and-anti-aging">Future of rilmenidine and anti-aging</h2>



Longer human studies must still rule out subtle harms and confirm that improved markers translate into healthier years. Even so, experts see momentum building. 



“With a global aging population, the benefits of delaying aging - even if slightly - are immense,” Magalhães said.



Regulators will need fresh guidelines for drugs that target aging rather than a diagnosed disease, and ethicists are debating fair access. Yet the prospect of taking a small daily tablet instead of counting every calorie is hard to ignore. 



If rilmenidine or similar compounds keep proving safe and effective, the next generation of seniors may find that staying healthy deep into their eighties feels less like luck and more like routine science.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.13774" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aging Cell</a>.



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Common blood pressure drug slows aging and boosts lifespan, even in older animals

Many people today outlive their parents and grandparents, yet the...

Dementia,And,Alzheimer's,Disease,Medical,Concept,,3d,Illustration.,Memory,Loss,

The first hints of fading memory arrive quietly - misplaced keys, a forgotten appointment - yet together they mark the slow, inevitable creep of cognitive decline. As more adults cross the half-century mark, that gradual loss of mental sharpness looms large, reshaping conversations about healthy aging. 



Recent work following thousands of older Europeans now argues that one everyday choice casts a bigger shadow over <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/air-pollution-weakens-brain-function-and-focus-in-daily-tasks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">brain function</a> and cognitive decline than most people realize.



A research team led by University College London (<a href="https://www.ucl.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UCL</a>) analyzed lifestyle data from 32,000 adults in 14 European countries who were at least 50 years old and showed no signs of dementia when tracking began. 



Across as many as 15 years, participants completed memory and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9999359/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">verbal-fluency tests</a>, providing one of the most detailed portraits yet of how thinking skills change in later life.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behaviors-linked-to-cognitive-decline">Behaviors linked to cognitive decline</h2>



The investigators assembled sixteen lifestyle “packages” from four common habits: smoking, moderate or vigorous exercise at least once a week, weekly social contact with friends or family, and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/is-marijuana-really-safer-than-alcohol-science-weighs-in/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daily alcohol intake</a> capped at two drinks for men or one for women. 



They compared every package with a reference pattern that included all four healthy behaviors. By separating the habits instead of folding them into a single <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-01254-1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wellness score</a>, the team could see which ones truly moved the needle on brain performance.



“Smoking may be among the most important lifestyle factors affecting how quickly our cognitive skills decline as we age,” suggests a new study led by UCL researchers. 



That headline finding emerged once the data were crunched: participants who smoked experienced the steepest drops in test scores. 



Their memory and word-finding abilities fell up to 85 percent more over ten years than scores among non-smokers.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-s-outsized-impact">Smoking’s outsized impact</h2>



“Our study is observational, so cannot definitively establish cause and effect, but it suggests smoking might be a particularly important factor influencing the<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/does-vaping-help-people-quit-smoking-cigarettes-new-study-breaks-it-down/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> rate of cognitive ageing</a>," lead author Dr. Mikaela Bloomberg explained.



She noted that earlier studies linked clusters of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forming-healthy-habits-takes-much-longer-than-21-days/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">healthy habits</a> to slower decline, yet those studies rarely teased apart which behaviors mattered most. By isolating each habit, the new analysis revealed that lighting up stood apart from the rest.



Interestingly, when cigarettes dropped out of the picture, the remaining lifestyle combinations produced very similar cognitive trajectories. 



Whether participants exercised a little less, enjoyed an extra drink, or skipped a weekly gathering, their brains aged at nearly the same pace as those following the reference lifestyle - as long as they did not smoke. 



“Previous evidence suggests that individuals who engage in healthier behaviors experience slower cognitive decline; however, it was unclear whether all behaviors contribute equally to cognitive decline or whether specific behaviors drive these results," Dr. Bloomberg added.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-smoking-biology-and-cognition">Smoking, biology, and cognition</h2>



<a href="https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/about/index.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cigarette smoke</a> exposes tiny cerebral blood vessels to a mix of toxins that stiffen vessel walls and limit oxygen flow. The same chemicals spark chronic inflammation, leaving neurons vulnerable to damage. 



Over years, those insults can accelerate the shrinkage of key brain regions linked to memory and language. 



Exercise, moderate drinking, and social engagement can bolster overall health, but they struggle to counter the direct harm tobacco inflicts on neural tissue.



Still, the study offered a glimmer of good news for current smokers who embrace other healthy habits. 



“Our findings suggest that among the healthy behaviors we examined, not smoking may be among the most important in terms of maintaining cognitive function,” Dr Bloomberg said. 



“For people who aren’t able to stop smoking, our results suggest that engaging in other healthy behaviors such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/metamorphosis-exercise-triggers-molecular-changes-in-major-organs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">regular exercise</a>, moderate alcohol consumption and being socially active may help offset adverse cognitive effects associated with smoking.”



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cognitive-decline-and-global-health">Cognitive decline and global health</h2>



Worldwide, about one in five adults continues to smoke, and the habit remains more common in lower-income regions where dementia care is often scarce. 



Because memory loss erodes independence, quitting earlier in life can spare families emotional strain and reduce medical costs tied to long-term care. 



The new analysis strengthens the case for investing in cessation services - nicotine-replacement therapy, counseling, and prescription aids - before cognitive slips gain momentum.



The researchers accounted for age, gender, education, wealth, chronic illnesses, and country of residence, confirming that smoking’s influence held steady even after those factors were considered. 



By following participants over such a long span, the team also captured changes that shorter studies might miss, reinforcing confidence in the pattern they observed.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-now-that-you-know-what-will-you-do">Now that you know, what will you do?</h2>



Skipping cigarettes emerges as the clearest step toward safeguarding late-life thinking, yet the study suggests that pairing a smoke-free routine with modest weekly movement, sensible drinking limits, and regular social contact yields an even sturdier foundation. 



A brisk walk through the neighborhood, a <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/morning-coffee-drinkers-have-a-lower-risk-of-heart-disease-and-death/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cup of coffee</a> with a friend, and a single evening drink offer manageable ways to keep neurons working smoothly.



Cognitive decline rarely arrives overnight, but its grip tightens with each passing year. This large-scale European study highlights how one habit - smoking - quickens the slide more than any other measured behavior. 



Armed with that insight, adults can stack the odds in their favor: stub out the cigarette, stay active, connect with others, and enjoy alcohol in moderation. 



Small choices made today shape the clarity of tomorrow’s thoughts, giving every reader a practical path toward a sharper, more confident future.



The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-024-49262-5" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature Communications</a>.



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Doctors say this lifestyle choice is the biggest contributor to cognitive decline and dementia

The first hints of fading memory arrive quietly - misplaced...

We often hear advice about healthy eating: reduce sugar, increase vegetables, eat local. But one question rarely gets attention: how do we actually know what nutrient data our food contains?



The answer lies in food composition databases (FCDBs). These databases list the nutrients in food: proteins, fats, vitamins, and more. They also include complex compounds like phytochemicals and antioxidants. 



Food composition databases help guide nutritionists, policy makers, researchers, and even farmers. But how reliable are they?



A new review published in the journal Frontiers in Nutrition highlights a major problem. Many FCDBs are outdated, incomplete, or hard to access. This issue hits hardest in regions that need <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-has-a-surprising-impact-on-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutritional insights</a> the most.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-status-of-food-data">Global status of food data</h2>



The researchers reviewed 101 FCDBs from 110 countries, and their findings raise concerns. 



Many FCDBs can be found online, but that’s not enough. Only 30% of databases are truly accessible. Just 69% can work with other <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earth-day-2025-what-were-really-fighting-for/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">systems</a>. Only 43% allow data to be reused easily. These weaknesses reduce their long-term value.



The problem is not evenly spread. Europe, North America, and parts of Asia have better data systems. But many countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America lack updated or complete databases.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-this-matters">Why this matters</h2>



Food databases are essential for crafting policies, health programs, and food safety rules. 



Without reliable food data, countries cannot detect nutrient gaps or create effective school <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/food-waste-crisis-why-u-s-goals-remain-out-of-reach/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">meals</a>. Breeding crops for nutrition or enforcing labeling laws becomes impossible.



There is also a cultural cost. Many Indigenous and rural communities have rich food traditions. If these foods do not appear in databases, they risk being excluded from nutrition programs and policy debates. Eventually, they might disappear from farms and markets too.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-databases-lack-local-data">Food databases lack local data</h2>



The review highlights several major gaps. Many FCDBs rely on borrowed data from other countries. That creates problems. A food’s nutrient content can vary depending on the soil, climate, crop variety, and how it's cooked.



There is also no global agreement on food names, nutrient definitions, or measurement units. That makes international comparisons difficult. 



Most databases list just 38 <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/future-of-food-safety-ai-can-detect-contamination-early/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">food</a> components. But modern research shows food contains thousands of biomolecules with health effects.



Another concern is how rarely databases get updated. About 39% have not been revised in over five years. Some, like those in Ethiopia and Sri Lanka, have not been updated since they were created over 50 years ago.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-not-updating-food-data">Cost of not updating food data</h2>



Food systems are changing rapidly. Climate shifts, migration, and technology are altering what people eat. Old data cannot reflect those changes. To maintain reliable FCDBs, countries need labs, specialists, and steady funding. 



Many low and middle-income nations do not have these <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/vicious-cycle-food-systems-both-suffer-from-and-cause-emissions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">resources</a>. The gap between well-covered regions and underrepresented ones keeps growing. But there is hope. The review also points to an initiative doing things differently.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-profiling-foods-from-every-continent">Profiling foods from every continent</h2>



The Periodic Table of Food Initiative (PTFI) stands out. Managed by The American Heart Association and the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, PTFI tackles the very problems holding back most FCDBs.



What makes it unique? PTFI goes far beyond the 38 commonly tracked nutrients. Using advanced techniques like metabolomics and mass spectrometry, food is analyzed for over 30,000 biomolecules.



Unlike most databases focused on national diets, PTFI is profiling foods from every continent, with special attention to underrepresented and Indigenous foods that are often left out of traditional systems. 



It is designed to be Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, and Reusable - the gold standard for data sharing and transparency. All of PTFI’s data is freely available online, using globally accepted protocols so that anyone, from a government to a food startup, can use it.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-improving-global-nutrition">Improving global nutrition </h2>



The study makes one thing clear. We cannot improve global nutrition if we do not understand our food at the molecular level. Right now, outdated and uneven food databases keep many people in the dark.



Better food data means better policies, healthier people, and stronger food systems. Initiatives like PTFI show that change is possible. They help us view food not just as calories or nutrients but as a source of cultural identity, health, and resilience.



We need global cooperation, advanced technology, and fairness in data access. Everyone should have the right to know what’s in their food and to have their food traditions valued and preserved.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2025.1552367/full" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Nutrition</a>.



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Common food nutrition labels may be based on 50 year-old data

We often hear advice about healthy eating: reduce sugar, increase...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE
</div></figure>



On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop and sunlight barely penetrates through the polar winter. It was here, however, that an international team of scientists found <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/predatory-worms-were-terror-beasts-half-a-billion-years-ago/#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">evidence of sea monsters</a> that would change our understanding of ocean life in the past.



This video captures the discovery of Timorebestia fossils that had been hidden for more than 500 million years in the Sirius Passet formation. The "terror beasts," as they are called, are a hidden chapter in the evolutionary history of <a href="https://www.earth.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Earth</a>, showing that sophisticated predator-prey interactions occurred much earlier than previously envisioned.



Dr. Jakob Vinther and his research team at the <a href="https://www.bristol.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Bristol</a>, in collaboration with researchers at the <a href="https://eng.kopri.re.kr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Korean Polar Research Institute</a>, braved extreme weather conditions at 82.5 north latitude to locate these giant creatures. Using sophisticated electron microprobe analysis, they revealed the detailed anatomy of the animals, including their muscle and nerve tissues.



The find upsets the traditional timeline of sea predators. Although we've long appreciated that Cambrian oceans were at one time ruled by <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWI3-UgA3_o&amp;list=PL1QLQMW9MWDwpkFOnvgAmu7wT6rZmYqdJ&amp;index=19" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">arthropods</a>, these discoveries indicate that relatives of arrow worms were first to dominate the seas. These worms were building sophisticated food webs several million years before other predator groups arose.



Each fossil is a story of ancient hunger, with fossil stomach contents revealing these meter-long beasts dined on heavily armored arthropods regularly, cementing their place as the ocean's first apex predators.



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Worms dominated seas before dinosaurs

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Y4eLFNYrKE On the unforgiving landscape of North Greenland, temperatures drop...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">New York is the site of the world's oldest forest.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-385-million-year-old-trees-discovered">385-million-year-old trees discovered</h2>



Scientists have uncovered something extraordinary just two hours north of New York City. The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/worlds-oldest-forest-discovered-close-to-new-york-city/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">world's oldest forest</a>, dating back 385 million years, offers a window into how Earth's first complex forests shaped our planet's atmosphere.



Located near <a href="https://townofcairo.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cairo, New York</a>, in Greene County, these weren't merely primitive plants struggling to survive. These were sophisticated trees with root systems remarkably similar to modern forests. This ancient woodland predates dinosaurs by 140 million years.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-cairo-forest-discovery">The Cairo forest discovery</h2>



385 million years ago, upstate New York was a tropical paradise near the equator. Thanks to continental drift, this ancient forest has traveled thousands of miles to its current location.



The fossil forest sits in an abandoned quarry, roughly half the size of a football field. This represents just a slice of what was likely a massive forest system stretching from New York into Pennsylvania.



Charles Ver Straeten, curator of sedimentary rocks at the <a href="https://www.nysm.nysed.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New York State Museum</a>, made the discovery in 2009. While scouting the former highway department property, his trained eye spotted wandering patterns in the stone that looked like marine features.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-age-and-preservation">Revolutionary age and preservation</h2>



The site contains 385-million-year-old rocks with fossilized woody roots forming horizontal patterns up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) wide. As Christopher Berry, a paleobotanist at Cardiff University, explains: "You are walking through the roots of ancient trees."



This discovery pushes back advanced tree evolution by millions of years. The research, published in <a href="https://www.cell.com/current-biology/home" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Current Biology</a> in December 2019, fundamentally changes our understanding of when complex forests first emerged.



Researchers believe a massive flood buried the forest floor, creating perfect fossilization conditions. Over millions of years, sediment hardened into rock, preserving these root patterns like nature's time capsule.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-meet-archaeopteris-the-first-modern-tree">Meet Archaeopteris: the first modern tree</h2>



The star of this ancient forest is Archaeopteris – not to be confused with the feathered dinosaur Archaeopteryx. This tree was far older and more revolutionary.



William Stein from <a href="https://www.binghamton.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Binghamton University</a> describes the roots as "strikingly modern, essentially what you'd see outside in my yard right now." These weren't simple root systems you'd expect from ancient plants.



Some fossilized roots are six inches (15 centimeters) in diameter, forming 36-foot-wide (11-meter) patterns. These giants grew up to 65 feet (20 meters) tall with five-foot-diameter (1.5-meter) trunks.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-changing-impact">Climate-changing impact</h2>



These trees fundamentally changed Earth's environment. Kevin Boyce, a Stanford University geoscientist, explains how their deep roots triggered "weathering," chemical reactions that pulled carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.



This process dropped atmospheric CO2 levels from 10-15 times higher than today to roughly modern concentrations. These ancient trees helped create atmospheric conditions that made complex life possible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ancient-forest-ecosystem">Ancient forest ecosystem</h2>



The forest was remarkably diverse. Scientists identified Eospermatopteris, palm tree-like plants with short roots that reached 30 feet (9 meters) tall but lacked woody structure. The forest also housed cladoxylopsids and a mysterious third species still being studied.



All reproduced through spores rather than seeds – millions of years before seeds evolved. This tropical environment had no grass, flowers, or flying insects, just towering trees creating Earth's first complex forest canopy.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-significance">Scientific significance</h2>



Before this finding, the Gilboa forest, located 25 miles (40 kilometers) away, held the "oldest forest" title. Cairo's trees are 2-3 million years older, showing that complex forest ecosystems developed much faster than scientists believed possible.



Patricia Gensel, a <a href="https://www.unc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of North Carolina</a> paleobotanist, notes: "The size of those root systems is really changing the picture. Even 20 years ago, researchers assumed trees with such complex root systems didn't evolve so early."



The Cairo site presents three unique root systems, suggesting Devonian period forests were diverse ecosystems with different trees occupying different environmental niches, much like today's forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-preservation-efforts">Modern preservation efforts</h2>



In 2022, New York State Senator Michelle Hinchey secured a $170,000 grant for the town of Cairo to construct specialized fencing around the fossil forest site. The town plans to conduct a feasibility study exploring the possibility of creating an educational center and working lab on-site.



Joe Hasenkopf, chair of the Cairo Planning Board, hopes to partner with educational institutions to create a research facility serving scientists, students, and the public.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-today-s-climate">Lessons for today's climate</h2>



Why does a 385-million-year-old forest matter today? It shows how dramatically forests can change Earth's climate. These ancient woodlands created the atmospheric conditions supporting complex life.



Understanding how prehistoric forests transformed the planet helps us appreciate modern forests' critical role in addressing climate change. Forests remain Earth's most effective carbon capture systems.



These prehistoric trees changed Earth's atmosphere by pulling massive amounts of carbon dioxide from the air. As we face modern climate challenges, this ancient forest reminds us of trees' incredible power to transform our planet's environment.



The next time you walk through a forest, remember you're experiencing an ecosystem whose blueprint was established 385 million years ago in upstate New York. These ancient pioneers didn't just survive – they thrived and changed the world forever.



The full study was published in the journal Current Biology.



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Earth's oldest forest found in the United States

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ow3JH03PqEQ New York is the site of the world's oldest...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?



The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What was acid rain?</h2>



Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The science behind it</h2>



Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.



While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The crisis at its peak</h2>



During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Environmental devastation</h2>



The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.



By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.



Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Economic impact</h2>



Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The solution: government action and technology</h2>



Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Clean Air Act of 1990</h2>



The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Cap-and-trade success</h2>



Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.



The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Technology advances</h2>



Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.



The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today">Why we don't hear about it today</h2>



Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Success doesn't make news</h2>



There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Mission accomplished</h2>



The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone">Is it really gone?</h2>



The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.



EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What this teaches us</h2>



The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.



Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>



Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.



Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.



This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.



Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



Sources: This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Frequently Asked Questions</h2>



1. Is acid rain completely gone? No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.



2. How long did solving take? Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.



3. What made the solution successful? Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.



4. Do other countries have acid rain problems? Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.



5. Could acid rain return? Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.



6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"? The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Fresh,Radish,Harvest,On,Soil,In,Garden.

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Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving fall garden, and this guide lays out the best vegetables and herbs to plant now for a fruitful autumn harvest. 



Fast-growing leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, kale, and arugula perform especially well in the waning summer heat, with harvests beginning as soon as 30 days. 



These cool-season crops relish the transition into fall, offering repeated yields with cut-and-come-again methods.



Root vegetables like radishes, carrots, and beets also excel during this period. Radishes deliver satisfaction in under a month, while carrots and beets mature in about two months. Employing succession planting ensures a continuous stream of produce deep into the cooler months. 



For a boost of fresh flavor, herbs like cilantro, basil, dill, and chervil are excellent picks. These heat-loving varieties flourish in July’s warmth and are harvest-ready in about 30 days, especially when sown continuously.



Gardeners in zones 6 through 9 can benefit from planting bush beans and snap peas, which don’t require trellising and are ideal for compact plots. 



Maturing in 50–60 days, they’re a smart choice for quick, protein-rich harvests. For those in hotter regions, heat-tolerant crops such as okra and southern peas provide reliable yields and thrive in scorching conditions.



This guide emphasizes more than crop selection—it highlights the importance of timing, soil preparation, and ongoing sowing techniques. 



With thoughtful planning and attention to regional climate needs, even late-summer gardeners can enjoy fresh salads, hearty stews, and the satisfaction of a robust, homegrown harvest well into fall.



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What to plant in your garden in mid-July

https://youtu.be/Fi2OeEwuzRM?si=vTyd2m9FMmtyWkex Mid-July is an opportune time to kick-start a thriving...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

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A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. 



Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. 



Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. 



Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. 



The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.



Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.



Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.



This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. 



The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.



The full study was published in the <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a>.



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Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. 



The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.



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https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. 



Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.



Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. 



They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).



Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.



Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.



This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.



The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Nushagak Bay, a large estuary in southwest Alaska. Nushagak runs mainly north to south and exits in Bristol Bay, a large body of water in the Bering Sea.



"The bay is primarily fed by the Nushagak River, which begins in the Alaska Range and flows southwest approximately 450 km. The bay is also fed by several additional rivers including the Wood, Igushik, Snake and Weary rivers," says ESA.



"The dark colors of the Nushagak River are most likely due to tannins or lignins (chemical substances found in plants). Tannins and lignins from roots, leaves, seeds, bark and soil can leach into the water and give it a brown or even black colour. The sediments then flow southwards where it is mixed with the bluer waters of the bay."



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Nushagak Bay in southwest Alaska

[sendtonews key="0ynNMYkMKa-2340414-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> (ACS) reveals that proteins on flu viruses are actually flexible, tilting and waving in a “breath-like” motion. According to the experts, these proteins could be used to better defend against the flu.



"The main antigenic targets of influenza virus are two surface glycoproteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA). Whereas the structural and dynamical properties of both glycoproteins have been studied previously, the understanding of their plasticity in the whole-virion context is fragmented," wrote the researchers.



To investigate, the team conducted detailed simulations of the influenza A H1N1 virion, or the swine flu. The experts concluded that the visualizations show many new vulnerable states of flu viruses, which could improve future vaccines and antiviral drugs.



Video/ Image Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Flu viruses are more flexible than expected

[sendtonews key="G9bUoxcjr4-2511624-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Lake Trasimeno, which is located west of Perugia in central Italy. It is the fourth largest lake in the country. While Trasimeno’s water level varies, it has a maximum depth of approximately six meters.&nbsp;



"In this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image, captured on 6 August 2022, the lake’s emerald green colour is likely due to the presence of phytoplankton. Streaks in the water, particularly visible in the west, indicate the presence of soil and sediments which have been stirred up by winds. Dark colored waters in the southern part of the lake indicate a presence of submerged and floating macrophytes (aquatic plants) as well as algae," says ESA.



"Surrounded by hills on three sides, Trasimeno is subject to heavy storms created by winds, especially from the north and west. There are three islets in the lake: Maggiore, Minore and Polvese (the largest). The lake’s shores are sparsely inhabited with only two popular villages: Castiglione del Lago and Passignano sul Trasimeno."



"Italy is experiencing its worst drought in 70 years which has affected drinking water supplies, hydroelectric power and agricultural production. High temperatures, hot winds and lack of rainfall are the main causes of drought in the Umbrian region which saw Lake Trasimeno’s drop 1.3 m, reaching the limit of the hydrometric zero in July 2022."



Video/Image Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="http://csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer

Lake Trasimeno in Central Italy

[sendtonews key="3upvlAaHgO-2256633-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> describes a new self-powered nanosensor that can instantly detect mercury contamination with the tap of a finger.&nbsp;



The oxidized form of mercury can be harmful when it is ingested through contaminated water or food. This makes it necessary for experts to develop sensors that can quickly and accurately detect the presence of mercury.&nbsp;



Zong-Hong Lin and colleagues have now created a triboelectric nanosensor (TENS) that can detect mercury by simply by touching a sample. According to the researchers, their TENS could serve as the basis for similar devices to safely and remotely monitor other pollutants.



Video Credit: American Chemical Society&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Detecting mercury contamination with the tap of a finger

[sendtonews key="LvS8v8bp9z-2564889-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.acs.org/">American Chemical Society</a> explores the ability of salt to transform the way that foods and beverages taste. Salt is known to cover up undesirable flavors, such as bitterness in coffee or beer, but how exactly does sodium chloride change the taste of other compounds?



One previous study showed that, not only does salt suppress bitterness, but also enhances sweetness and sourness. Another study revealed that bitterness reduction by salt seems to be happening at the tongue receptor level as well as in the brain.&nbsp;



While it is known that salt taste is mediated by the presence of sodium channels in the form of taste buds, experts believe that there is also an unknown receptor responsible for how we taste salt that has not yet been identified.&nbsp;



Video Credit: ACS Reactions



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

How does salt makes things taste better?

[sendtonews key="X0f6OHYoI4-2310561-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Santiago, the capital city of Chile. The city is located in the center of the Santiago Metropolitan Region, which has a population of about eight million people.&nbsp;



'The weather of Santiago resembles the Mediterranean climate with dry and warm summers with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (from October to March) and cool and humid winters that can drop to 0°C (from April to September)."



"The city lies in the centre of the country’s central valley around 80 km from the Pacific Ocean to the west and borders Argentina to the east. A tiny part of Argentina is visible in the top-right corner of the image where the mountain crest of the Andes Mountains acts as a divider between the two countries," says ESA.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Santiago, Chile in South America

[sendtonews key="JRaP49ISmm-2357509-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

Spiral,Galaxy,,Illustration,Of,Milky,Way

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Astronomers at <a href="https://www.jhu.edu/">Johns Hopkins University</a> have created an interactive map of the universe, including the actual position and real colors of 200,000 galaxies. The map allows the public to access data that was previously only available to scientists.



The map was developed using data collected by the Sloan Digital Sky Survey. For over two decades, a telescope in New Mexico was aimed at slightly different locations to capture the night sky.&nbsp;



"Growing up I was very inspired by astronomy pictures, stars, nebulae and galaxies, and now it's our time to create a new type of picture to inspire people," said map creator Brice Ménard, a professor at Johns Hopkins. "Astrophysicists around the world have been analyzing this data for years, leading to thousands of scientific papers and discoveries. But nobody took the time to create a map that is beautiful, scientifically accurate, and accessible to people who are not scientists. Our goal here is to show everybody what the universe really looks like."



"In this map, we are just a speck at the very bottom, just one pixel. And when I say we, I mean our galaxy, the Milky Way which has billions of stars and planets. We are used to seeing astronomical pictures showing one galaxy here, one galaxy there or perhaps a group of galaxies. But what this map shows is a very, very different scale."



"From this speck at the bottom, we are able to map out galaxies across the entire universe, and that says something about the power of science."



The <a href="https://mapoftheuniverse.net/">interactive map</a> is available online, where it can be downloaded for free.



Video Credit: Johns Hopkins&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Interactive map of the universe includes 200,000 galaxies

[sendtonews key="e4ZG0Jawp3-2374785-12187" type="single"] Astronomers at Johns Hopkins University have created...

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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.



According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."



Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;



ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. 



Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Staff Writer 



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

[sendtonews key="uV9Lh2fQbV-1760058-12187" type="single"] Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features Dublin, the capital and largest city of Ireland. Beyond its pub culture, Dublin is known as a modern culinary destination and a UNESCO City of Literature.



"Dublin is located near the midpoint of Ireland’s east coast in the province of Leinster. The city, which covers an area of around 115 square kilometers, is bordered by the Dublin Mountains, a low mountain range to the south, and is surrounded by flat farmland to the north and west," says ESA.



"The city straddles the River Liffey, which rises in the Wicklow Mountains and flows around 80 kilometers eastwards through the city of Dublin, in which it is canalised and bordered with quays. It then empties into Dublin Bay, an arm of the Irish Sea."



Dublin has an abundance of green spaces, including one of the largest enclosed public parks in any European capital city. Phoenix Park, which was originally formed as a royal hunting park in the 1660s, includes 707 hectares of green space.



Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The city of Dublin on Ireland's east coast

[sendtonews key="qjvhBOBnY8-2426650-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain. The image was captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.



"Together with the provinces of Huesca and Teruel, Zaragoza formed the old kingdom of Aragon. Its capital, also called Zaragoza (not visible in this image) is home to around half of Aragon’s population," says ESA.



"The Ebro River can be seen winding its way through the province from west to east in this image. Between its source in the Cantabrian Mountains in the northwest and its delta on the Mediterranean coast, the Ebro River is fed by more than 200 tributaries as it flows 910 km across much of northern Spain."



Since rainfall is very scarce in this region, irrigation in the Ebro basin is critically important. In the valleys surrounding the Ebro River, many fields are used for growing crops such as corn, wheat, and barley.



Video/ Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The province of Zaragoza in northeast Spain

[sendtonews key="oL4FnPTGCV-2384527-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from the...

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Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;



Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;



According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.



In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.



The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.



The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.



The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. 



Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.



Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

[sendtonews key="0879czfG3k-1785905-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from NASA...

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Today’s Video of the Day from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features the Pyrenees Mountains, which form a natural boundary between France and Spain in southwest Europe.



The mountain range is 430 kilometers in length. It stretches from the Mediterranean Sea on the east to the Atlantic Ocean on the west.



At an elevation of 3404 meters, Pico de Aneto is the highest mountain peak in the Pyrenees, and the third-highest peak in Spain. Pico de Aneto is located in the Posets-Maladeta Natural Park, which spans more than 82,000 acres.&nbsp;



"Geological studies have revealed that the Pyrenees Mountains have been around for longer than the Alps, with their sediments first deposited in coastal basins during the Paleozoic and Mesozoic eras," reports ESA.



"The entire mountain range formed due to the upwelling of large sedimentary rocks by the collision of the Iberian and the Eurasian plate around 100 to 150 million years ago, followed by intense erosion from ice and water."



The western Pyrenees receive more precipitation due to moisture blowing in from the Atlantic Ocean. The mountain range contains many lakes, several small glaciers, and some of the highest waterfalls in Europe.



Video &amp; Image Credit: ESA



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

The Pyrenees Mountains in southwest Europe

[sendtonews key="6HyfrAJTBI-1831843-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from the...

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Today's Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes two exoplanets that are orbiting a star 218 light-years away. A team of researchers led by the University of Montreal has found evidence that these planets are "water worlds."



The experts used data from NASA’s Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes. They discovered that exoplanets Kepler-138 c and Kepler-138 could be composed largely of water.



"We previously thought that planets that were a bit larger than Earth were big balls of metal and rock, like scaled-up versions of Earth, and that's why we called them super-Earths," explained study co-author Björn Benneke.&nbsp;



"However, we have now shown that these two planets, Kepler-138 c and d, are quite different in nature and that a big fraction of their entire volume is likely composed of water. It is the best evidence yet for water worlds, a type of planet that was theorized by astronomers to exist for a long time."



Video Credit: NASA Goddard



Image Credit: NASA, ESA, and Leah Hustak (STScI)



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Two distant planets may be "water worlds"

[sendtonews key="QIoVYJqRBi-2434608-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s Video of the Day from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;



During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.



According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;



Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. 



Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;



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By <a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com">Chrissy Sexton</a>, <a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/">Earth.com</a> Editor



Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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